NEW captain Kevin Neighbour reckons Hull Kingston Rovers’ visit will fire Gateshead Thunder into their new era full of confidence.

Thunder take on Super League outfit Hull KR at Percy Park tonight (kick-off 7pm) in a semi-opposed training match at the start of the Humberside club’s three-day North East stint.

First-time Thunder skipper Neighbour believes tonight’s match will serve as the perfect preparation for the weekend’s trip to Castleford, as the Gateshead club experience a daunting pre-season.

Tipping the new-look squad to rise to the challenges ahead, Neighbour said Thunder must treat the Northern Rail Cup as an extended warm-up period.

Thunder travel to Widnes on Sunday, January 31 for the start of their NRC stint before their Championship One campaign kicks off on Sunday, February 28 at Hunslet.

Admitting realism must be the order of the day after another turbulent off-season, Neighbour said: “Hull KR’s decision to come up here is a massive boost to us, and the thrill of lining up against Super League players must not be underestimated.

“It’s what every player wants to do, what we all aspire to, of course, and hopefully the game tonight will give us a really good idea of where we are as a squad and a team right now.

“The Castleford trip will be another very tough game, so it’s great to have this test first because hopefully it will set us up for that.

“The Northern Rail Cup will be very competitive, and we have to be honest with ourselves and realise we are not going to win the competition and so treat it accordingly.

“We have to use it as an extended pre-season and get as much out of every game as we can.

“We will never go into a game to do anything other than win, but sometimes it is important to focus on specifics and improve on certain areas as much as possible, taking things one step at a time.

“If we can do all of that it will stand us in excellent stead for the start of the league season, and that’s where we have to put all of our attention.

“We know we’ve got a tough job on our hands, but we’re excited by the challenge – if we weren’t we wouldn’t be here. And after all that has happened, it will just be great to get out and play some rugby.”